A company either must be really good or really bad if you are willing to sign up an account to leave a review. CDF is definitely the former. It took me over a month of researching schools in the Chicago area before I decided to come to CDF. Other studios offered at most 1 private lesson (what can you get out of 1 lesson?), or group intro classes (great for people such as myself with social anxiety), was something I was not looking forward to. CDF's trial offered 4 private lessons, and I bit the bullet. Now there was no excuse not to learn how to dance. I was paired up with Brian, who is an amazing teacher. On my 1st lesson, he explained the science behind dancing, though I will admit that most of it was way above my head, and showed some basic dance moves that had me floored. I wanted to learn more, I *had* to learn more. CDF doesn't teach patterns, and Brian will meet you at whatever dance level you're at. He is supportive and understanding, and won't make you feel bad if you ask to have a step repeated too many times. You find yourself wanting to meet the expectations he has for you. I decided to continue my lessons after my trial was over. I thought I wasn't going to use any of the membership perks, but CDF has such a great vibe around it that you find yourself drawn in. The members are supportive and fun, no one makes anyone feel bad for messing up, and are happy to teach each other. All it took was 1 group lesson for me to start taking all of the group lessons. Highly recommended. If you're afraid of dancing, don't want to dance, or have told yourself you can't dance, you need to come to CDF. read more

Two years ago, I purchased a Groupon for a single 1/2 hour private lesson fully intending to have just the one fun date night with my hubby and leave it at that. Neither of us had any previous experience, other than a long ago, six week park district ballroom class that we ditched after two weeks. I am extraordinarily uncoordinated just walking in a straight line on flat surfaces, so trying to keep up with a group was basically slapstick. So, I was expecting to stumble through a few basic patterns that we could laugh about later at dinner. I'm so glad I was mistaken. That initial lesson at Chicago Dance Factory was so engaging and so much more than merely memorizing sets of steps that we signed up for weekly lessons. We still laughed and had lots of fun, but learned to actually dance; not just to repeat endless patterns. And we learned at our pace; our intructor knew when to push us forward, when we needed to keep practicing, and when we needed to go back revist a concept. When my hubby had to pull back about a year in, I continued on my own. There's an amazing sense of community at the studio, so he still joins me for the various social events and pops into the odd lesson. For me, it's been great excercize, lots of fun, and a huge confidence boost. I still manage to frequently bruise myself attempting day-to-day activities, but I can hold my own at the dance competitions! read more

My husband and I have taken lessons at Chicago Dance Factory for a few years now. What started as a Groupon experiment evolved into a family hobby. I never imagined my husband able to take on the variety of dances we learned here, but also to be comfortable dancing in front of unfamiliar people. In the last couple of months, we performed the tango routine choreographed beautifully by our Chicago Dance Factory instructor for a crowd of 30+ students--and we loved doing it (still hope not too much suffering was involved for those watching). We now have our teen daughter taking classes and hoping to teach here. Chicago Dance Factory makes learning exciting and allows people to form a social community around dancing and learning. This school was able to build a safe place for everyone entering the doors, independent of experience. They are able to teach all kinds of learners and make it positive and exciting every time. Somehow, they are able to reset adults to adapt to the growth mindset in their classes. They have truly made a difference in our lives, and we are looking forward to many more years learning from and with them. I highly recommend trying a class--or better yet taking on the entire experience and joining as a member. read more

So I wanted to learn to dance........ however, I'm a 60-something who has NO dance experience, not a cute 20 or 30 -something who has done ballet since they were 3. Would I be able to learn? Would a dance instructor even want to bother with me? Especially a REALLY good dance instructor? You BET! Chicago Dance Factory's Brian Wong worked with me teaching me not only how to dance, but how to follow any lead in a fun atmosphere! The other students I've met in the group classes were welcoming and encouraging. Chicago Dance Factory is not just a dance school. It's also a social group that goes to dances together and has group outings. And Yes, I'm learning to dance at my age! read more

We recently went to one of the Friday night dances here and were not impressed. The walls are each painted in different primary colors (like a daycare) and looked dated. The dance flooring was cheap fake stuff and not easy to dance on. The speaker system was ok, but echoed too much to really hear the beats and the guy in charge was arrogant and pushy and not nearly as skilled or qualified as the website led us to believe. We won't be going back. read more

CDF is a marvelous studio. The director, Brian Wong is one of the most patient,supportive and friendliest instructors I have ever met. If a step takes you 100 times to master he will still be as patient as if he were showing you the first time. His "crew" is just as friendly and patient. The atmosphere is light and can be enjoyed by everyone. read more

So glad I found this studio! Brian, the other teachers and students are very supportive and friendly. This is a great place to learn at any level. There are private and group classes depending on which you prefer. Brian is very knowledgeable about body mechanics and technique for these styles of dance to help learn the correct way. read more

My eight year old son takes dance lessons here and he loves it! The personal attention is wonderful for him. He has learned how to dance salsa, some hip-hop and a little west coast swing so far! In just a few short months, I have seen great improvement in his skills. Brian is a great instructor! read more

I've been taking dance lessons from Chicago Dance Factory for over two years. The instructors are personable and fun. They meet you at whatever level you are at - beginner or advanced. If you want to learn how to dance, and not just learn to follow patterns, this is the place for you! read more

Fun and frolic, togetherness and belonging, sincere and relaxed, flexible and driven, this place has added so much to my dance journey that I look forward to every interaction with my stunning instructor, Brian, every week. Love being a part of this incredibly crazy family. read more

We really enjoy our time getting dance instruction from Brian. Teaching beginner dancers is definitely a strength of his and he makes learning super fun. We always look forward to couples date night at this studio. We highly recommend this dance studio! read more

This is definitivela a place you want to visit if you want to learn how to dance. The group classes they ofger are lots of fun and you can meet tons of new very fun people. Super friendly and talented staff will help you reach your dancing goals. read more